June 02, 2007 |

I woke up this morning and realized I’m no longer the young guy who could hang at the track for 14 hours, and start all over again, with about 5 hours sleep. I’ve literally drug my carcass into the media center and forged ahead with today’s schedule.

The Nextel Cup guys will take to the track at about 10am for their first practice of the day. That’s also the time Katie and I will be visiting the crew at Fox’s "Hollywood Hotel." Jeff Hammond has been gracious enough to set aside some time for us …. and we’ll make the best of our oppportunity.

In recapping yesterday’s events, there were some very pleasant surprises …. Michael Waltrip, who has failed to qualify for a race since the Daytona 500, made the field and will start 23rd. It’s been a tumultuous season for Waltrip …. as he’s ventured into the world of "owner/driver" with Toyota, in 2007.

We also experienced an informative press conference with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who appears much more relaxed after announcing his pending free agency, after the season. Earnhardt, who qualified 2nd …. was in great spirits during the Q&A, and even entertained a question from the WNST crew.

This tidbit of sound will be downloaded and available on the WNST website, in the coming hours. Keep checking back …. we’ll have plenty of information throughout the weekend.